30 FLY FISHING AND SPINNING 



in the net, the fish only then being able to extricate the 

 hook. When you dropped your rod point just now, the 

 trout, not being able to free its mouth of the hook, was yet 

 nearly successful in gaining its freedom by being able to 

 get into the weeds.* 



On page 209 of Mr. Halford's latest work he suggests that 

 when a fish is hooked among weeds the line should be 

 slackened, in order that the trout may not be frightened 

 into the weeds surrounding him, and the illustration between 

 a trout and a driven pig is then used. This simile is not 

 a good one, however, because while the driver can afford to 

 slacken the line holding the pig it being securely fastened, 

 so that if piggy goes the wrong way he can be hauled back 

 the fisherman cannot afford to slacken his line, because 

 it is not fastened to the trout, and, in two cases out of five, 

 a slack line will mean losing the fish. 



In order to keep these trout we have caught and your 

 creel or fishing-bag sweet, it is a very good plan, if you have 

 no dry hay, to gather a few leaves of the wild thyme or 

 mint which you see growing by the water-side, and put 

 them with the trout ; it abates the fly nuisance. If you 

 wish to send your fish to your friends, the best packing is 

 something which is dry dry hay for choice and always 

 remember that the creel or fish-bag should invariably be 

 well washed and hung up to dry every night when the trout 

 are taken out. 



THE RISE AND ITS ADVANTAGES 



While you have been creeling your fish you did not see 

 that rise just above. Look ! Ah ! You saw it that time, 

 and now you know what you have to look out for when I 

 tell you to watch for a rise. 



Now a few words as to the rise. It does not follow that 



* For instructions on playing a fish, etc., see p. 53. 



